Former Afghan Security Chief Says Men Have Distanced Themselves from Defending Women's Rights

Rahmatullah Nabil, former head of Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security, stated that many Afghan men have distanced themselves from the responsibility of defending women's rights, reducing it to a mere political tool and placing the main burden of resistance on women themselves.

In a message issued on Sunday, the 9th of Hamal, Nabil praised the steadfastness and courage of Afghan women amid the Taliban's denial of their basic rights. He highlighted that the Taliban have deprived girls of education and women of employment opportunities for more than four years.

Nabil's remarks come as the Taliban continue to keep school doors closed to girls at the start of the 1405 academic year. He emphasized that the greatest responsibility for fighting the Taliban now lies with women due to men's withdrawal from the cause.

"Many Afghan men have distanced themselves from defending women's rights," Nabil said, according to the report. He urged women to persist in their struggle against these restrictions.

The comments underscore ongoing tensions over women's rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover, with education bans for girls beyond primary school levels remaining a key point of contention.